Tuesday 14 April 2015 09:26, UK
Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling needs to make headlines on the back pages, not the front, after stories emerged concerning his off-field activities on Monday night.
Sterling scored in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday Night Football, and has been one of the Reds' top performers of late despite reports circulating about his future and off-the-field concerns.
Sky Sports pundit Carragher is confident Sterling will learn from his mistakes and will forge a successful career, admitting the pressure is on the 20-year-old.
He said on Monday Night Football: “I think he’s going to have a long and successful career, a super player. We’ve seen signs of that with Liverpool and England.
“There’s no doubt over the last six to 12 months, that in years to come he will look back on this period as a massive learning curve.
“You make mistakes at that age, I did, we all do. It’s just important that we learn from them. Raheem Sterling needs to be on the back pages, not the front pages.
You make mistakes at that age, I did, we all do. It’s just important that we learn from them. Raheem Sterling needs to be on the back pages, not the front pages.
“That’s a problem for him in the last few months, hopefully he learns from them. He’s going to be a great talent.
“He’s one of Liverpool’s best attacking players. But forget the contract and money, the best way to prove your worth and keep the fans off your back is just perform. Play well.
“Don’t tell people how good you are, show them.”
Gary Neville echoed Carragher’s words, saying the spotlight on Sterling is something the youngster will have to deal with.
“Growing up at United there were a number of incidents around players and the headlines these lads get now are absolutely incredible.
“He’ll look back on this last 12 to 18 months, the contract stuff, going to a World Cup, going for the championship, it will have been a complete shock to him.
“He’ll have to use these experiences, good and bad. He’s got a pressure on him, an expectation.
“He has to come out the other side a better person and better player. And he will because he’s level-headed. I’ve worked with him with England, he trains well and works hard.
“I think he’s at the right club as well. The people around there won’t let him get carried away.”
Sky Sports subscribers can sign in to watch extended highlights of Liverpool's win over Newcastle.
